People (Pixabay)
Though public opinion polls show that roughly one-third of the population supports Serbia's membership in the European Union, while 51 percent are against, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic could turn the tide of that opinion in short order if he wanted to, according to an analysis by the Demostat public opinion research center released on July 2.
According to Demostat head researcher Srecko Mihailovic, Vucic could work a considerable change in current popular attitudes toward the EU in short order, especially in light of the strong devotion that a portion of the Serbian Progressive Party's members have for the president.
BETA CEO Zlata Kures has said that a pro-Russian narrative has been "very present" in Serbia in recent years, and that "a clear decision by Vucic" would be needed to change it. "That cannot happen overnight, a certain amount of time is needed. However, I believe that one year from today, those narratives could change," Kures said.
She recalled that surveys in recent years had shown more support from citizen for joining the EU, but added that events in Ukraine and certain narratives in public discourse had strongly influenced their attitudes in the meantime.
To get full access to all content of interest see our
Subscription offer
Or
Register for free
And read up to 5 articles each month.
Already have an account? Please Log in.